An eclectic mix of book and music reviews, ramblings and other flotsam and jetsom encountered on an expedition to find a place in the pre-Christian religious traditions, and practices of the British Isles.

Friday, 20 June 2008

Celtic Tales of Birds & Beasts

Told by Mara Freeman

Music by Gerry Smida

ASIN: 1890851043

I found this CD in a shop, where it was hidden amongst the new age music CDS. I bought it and forgot about it for a few days. I finally remembered to put it in my handbag so I could listen to it in the car and was pleasantly surprised.

They are told with a minimum of background music and the odd sound effect. Ms Freeman also takes the time to add light accents to the speeches within the tales. Each tale is told rather simply, making them accessible for children and adults alike. I enjoyed the CD and will probably listen to it every now and then.

I have not looked at the texts of any of these stories, but I don't believe Ms Freeman was going for accuracy, rather atmosphere which is beautifully achieved on this CD.

7 comments:

Story telling is just the best. I have had a few amazing experiences sitting outside in the cold, wrapped in a blanket with strangers, open mouthed and wide eyed for hours listening to the magic of the story teller!

Can you recommend any other story telling cd's? For some reason I have never even thought about getting storytellers on cd.

The link should be over the words "Celtic Myth Podshow", not over the description. For some reason, blogger is messing all this up, despite several attempts on my part and previewing everything (where it all looks correct) only to find when the comment goes up, the links are ruined. *grrrrrr*

Festival Calendar

Là Fhèill Brìghde ~ A time to celebrate the end of winter, welcome the beginnings of spring, and the start of new life (and love), usually by the cleaning and purifying the home, and the blessing of animals and children.

Bealltainn ~ The start of the season of fertility.

Summer Solstice ~ A personal celebration wherein I "sit out" all night in contemplation of my ancestors, and how they might have viewed this time of the year, as the days now become shorter, and the nights longer, but the weather warmer.

Lùnastal ~ A time to contemplate blood, family, and honour and the coming harvest.

Samhainn ~ The end of summer and the beginning of winter; a time to honour the ancestors, of the family, older clans, countrymen, and pagan forebears.

Winter Solstice ~ A personal celebration wherein I "sit out" all night to ponder how my ancestors might have endured, and considered during the longest night and shortest day of the year.